Driver left hanging over bridge for an hour

A driver was trapped in his car for an hour this morning (Saturday), hanging over a 20-feet drop to a river below.

The incident occurred on the A429, between Wellesbourne and Barford at around 5.45am. One ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Trusts MERIT Team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had left the road, struck a bridge and was hanging over a drop of around 20 feet to a river below.

“Before the patient could be accessed the car was made safe by being securely attached by a tow rope to other vehicles.

“Once the vehicle was secure, ambulance crews treated the man, believed to be in his early 20’s, for serious arm injuries and suspected internal injuries.

“The man was extricated from the car with the assistance of the fire service and once released received further treatment at the scene.

“Once the man’s condition was stabilised, he was transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency treatment. The MERIT team trauma Doctor travelled on board the ambulance to hospital continuing with treatment.

“The hospital had been pre alerted to the patients condition and his injuries.

“Considering the position of the vehicle the driver is extremely fortunate the car did not continue over the edge into the river below.”